Travel Advisories
Issued by US Department of State

Afghanistan

Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.  

Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe. The Department of State assesses the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. While the U.S. government has withdrawn its personnel from Kabul, we will continue to assist U.S. citizens and their families in Afghanistan from Doha, Qatar.

Individuals seeking information on current consular support should review the Embassy website for instructions. Consular services remain available outside Afghanistan. To locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate click here. The Department of State will continue to provide information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), Embassy Kabul’s web page, Travel.State.Gov, and Facebook, and Twitter.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Afghanistan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Afghanistan has an unknown level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens still in Afghanistan should:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments at all times.
• Keep a low profile.
• Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.
• Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Monitor local media.
• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Read the Country Security Report For Afghanistan.

Resources for U.S. citizens in Afghanistan:

• State Department – Consular Affairs
  833-741-2777 or 606-260-4379
• AfghanistanACS@state.gov
• Embassy Citizens’ Services Page
• Afghanistan Country Information
• Afghanistan Travel Advisory
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
• Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to ensure you receive Alerts and other information

For information on Special Immigrant Visas.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates to health information.

Albania

Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime.

Country Summary: Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. There has been targeted violence associated with illicit drug networks and organized crime countrywide. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area.

Read the country information page for additional information to Albania.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Albania has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

If you decide to travel to Albania:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Albania.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime and health information.

Algeria

Exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Do not travel to:

• Areas near the eastern and southern borders due to terrorism and kidnapping.
• Areas in the Sahara Desert due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Algeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have recently targeted the Algerian security forces. Most attacks take place in rural areas, but attacks are possible in urban areas despite a heavy and active police presence.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Algiers province due to Algerian government restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Algeria.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Algeria has an unknown level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Algeria:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel and see the U.S. Embassy's web page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Inform local police when visiting locations outside of major cities.
• Travel by air if possible; remain on major highways if you must travel by road.
• Travel with reputable travel agents who know the area.
• Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Algeria.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Eastern and southern borders — Level 4: Do Not Travel

Avoid travel to rural areas within 50 km (31 miles) of the border with Tunisia and within 250 km (155 miles) of the borders with Libya, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania due to terrorist and criminal activities, including kidnapping.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.

Overland travel to the Sahara Desert — Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel overland in the Sahara Desert due to terrorist and criminal activity, including kidnapping.

Visit our website for High-Risk Travelers.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates to health information.

Andorra

Exercise normal precautions when traveling to Andorra.

Country Summary: Entry to Andorra can only be done via Spain and France.

Read the country information page for more information on travel to Andorra.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Andorra has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  

If you decide to travel to Andorra:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Angola

Exercise normal precautions in Angola. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Urban areas due to crime and kidnapping.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Angola.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Angola has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Angola:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the U.S. Embassy's web page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Angola.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler ’s Checklist .

Urban areas – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, kidnapping, carjacking, and homicide, is common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Anguilla

Exercise normal precautions in Anguilla

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Anguilla.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Anguilla has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  

If you decide to travel to Anguilla: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Anguilla. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Antarctica

Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Antarctica as the U.S government does not have an embassy or consulate in Antarctica.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antarctica.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Antarctica has an unknown level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel

If you decide to travel to Antarctica:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Travel with a professional guide or organization.
• Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for information at Antarctica@state.gov.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Antigua and Barbuda

Exercise normal precautions in Antigua and Barbuda.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antigua and Barbuda.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Antigua and Barbuda has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Antigua and Barbuda:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Antigua and Barbuda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Argentina

Exercise normal precautions in Argentina.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Argentina.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Argentina has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Argentina:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Argentina.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Armenia

Exercise normal precautions in Armenia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Armenia has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  

If you decide to travel to Armenia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Armenia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Casualties continue to occur following intensive fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that occurred in the fall 2020. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as access is restricted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Aruba

Exercise normal precautions in Aruba.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Aruba.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Aruba has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Aruba:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Consulate's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Curaçao, which covers Aruba.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Australia

Exercise normal precautions in Australia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Australia has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country –specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Australia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.  

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Austria

Exercise normal precautions in Austria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Austria.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Austria has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Austria:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Austria.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Azerbaijan

Reconsider travel to Azerbaijan due to COVID-19-related restrictions and terrorism concerns. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Country Summary: Azerbaijan has a longstanding risk presented by terrorist groups, who continue plotting possible attacks in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Azerbaijan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Azerbaijan has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Azerbaijan.

If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. 
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Azerbaijan.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Casualties continue to occur following intensive fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that occurred in the fall 2020. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as access is restricted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Exercise caution on roads near Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Bahrain

Exercise increased caution in Bahrain due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bahrain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Bahrain has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Bahrain:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the U.S. Embassy's web page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bahrain.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates to terrorism and health information.

Bangladesh

Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Country Summary: In Bangladesh the crime rate impacting foreigners is generally low. However, travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. Crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute the majority of criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are being targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location.

Terrorism events can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

Because of security concerns U.S. government employees in Bangladesh are subject to movement and travel restrictions. The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.

Reconsider travel to southeast Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Travel is dangerous to the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to occasional communal violence and other security risks. Prior approval from the Government of Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to these areas.  Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bangladesh.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Bangladesh has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the the U.S. Embassy’s web page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and so it is easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Please review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Barbados

Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.  

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Barbados.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Barbados has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Barbados:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Belarus

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Do Not Travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means.

On February 28, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk. All consular services, routine and emergency, are suspended until further notice. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should try to leave the country as soon and as safely as possible and to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

U.S. citizens in Belarus who need assistance can also call the Department of State at 1(606) 260-4379 (from outside the United States) or email MinskConsular@state.gov. For inquiries from within the United States, please call 1-833-741-2777.

Due to Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine from Belarus, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region.   Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible.  Given the heightened volatility of the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid public demonstrations and to regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency.

Country Summary: Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and alleged participation in political demonstrations. U.S. citizens in the vicinity of the demonstrations have been arrested. Some have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials. Belarusian authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media. On May 23, 2021, Belarusian authorities forced the landing of a commercial aircraft transiting Belarusian airspace in order to arrest an opposition journalist who was a passenger.

Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals’ U.S. citizenship, including denying or delaying U.S. consular assistance to detained dual nationals.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Advisory Notice to Airman (NOTAM) prohibiting all U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. airmen, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating at all altitudes in the Minsk Flight Information Region (FIR) (UMMV). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belarus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Belarus has an unknown level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

If you decide to travel to Belarus: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Belarus.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Belgium

Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting, music, and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Belgium has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Belgium:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.   
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Belgium.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Belize

Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime.  Some areas have increased risk.  Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder – are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belize.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Belize has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Belize: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Avoid walking or driving at night. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Belize.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Belize City – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to Belize City. Historically much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside of Belize City and is gang related. This area (south of Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road) does not overlap the typical tourism areas.  All visitors should maintain an elevated level of due diligence and reduce their exposure to crime-related risks by practicing good safety and security practices.  

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.